7 Days Uganda Safaris & Gorilla Trekking

7 Day Safari Tours In Uganda

Uganda is one of Africa’s most diverse and captivating safari destinations.

In just seven days, you can trek mountain gorillas through the misty highlands of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, watch playful chimpanzees in several pristine forests, track rhinos on foot at Ziwa Rhino and Wildlife Ranch, and embark on thrilling game drives and boat safaris to spot much of the Big Five—lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and rhino.

Uganda also boasts an unrivaled diversity of monkeys and birds, making it a paradise for primate lovers and birdwatchers alike.

Best of all, many of the country’s top wildlife attractions are concentrated in the compact southwest, allowing a carefully planned 7-day Uganda safari to deliver a rich, unforgettable introduction to country’s incredible landscapes, cultures, and wildlife.

Best 7 Day Uganda Safaris & Tours

7-Day Big Five, Kidepo, & Cultural Adventure

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7 Days Uganda Safaris FAQs

Where should I go on a 1-week safari in Uganda?

The most popular 7-day Uganda safaris and tours focuses on the southwestern national parks: Bwindi Impenetrable, Queen Elizabeth, and Kibale.

This route is ideal for first-time visitors who want to see gorillas and chimps. If gorilla trekking isn’t your goal, a good alternative is a safari that includes Ziwa Rhino and Wildlife Ranch, Murchison Falls National Park, and Kibale National Park.

For travelers looking for a more adventurous trip, consider an eastern loop: visit Ziwa, the remote Kidepo Valley National Park, take a cultural tour in Karamoja, and explore Sipi Falls on the slopes of Mount Elgon.

This route offers wildlife, culture, and stunning scenery off the beaten track.

Is 7 days a good length for a safari in Uganda?

Seven days is a good length for a Uganda safari and enough time to enjoy the main southwestern highlights.

You can do gorilla trekking in Bwindi, chimp trekking in Kibale, a boat trip on the Kazinga Channel in Queen Elizabeth National Park, and a game drive to see the famous tree-climbing lions in Ishasha.

However, if you want a slightly more relaxed trip, you could add an overnight stop at Lake Mburo National Park, making it an 8-day safari.

To also include Murchison Falls and Ziwa Rhino Ranch without missing the southwest highlights, it’s best to plan a 10-day safari.

What animals can I expect to see?

On a 7-day Uganda safari, you’ll see a huge variety of animals.

If you follow the southwestern route through Bwindi Impenetrable, Queen Elizabeth, and Kibale National Parks, you are almost certain to spot mountain gorillas, elephants, buffalo, hippos, and many types of monkeys and birds.

You also have a very good chance of seeing chimpanzees and lions, and sometimes even leopards or giant forest hogs.

Lake Mburo National Park is the only park in the southwest with giraffes, zebras, and impalas.

For fans of the Big Five, Murchison Falls and Kidepo Valley National Parks are excellent, as they have lion, leopard, elephant, and buffalo, just like Queen Elizabeth.

Ziwa Rhino and Wildlife Ranch is the only place in Uganda to see rhinos.

What kind of accommodations can I expect?

Uganda has accommodations to suit all budgets and tastes.

The type of place you stay depends on what you pay. Many major parks have at least one luxury lodge or camp, offering comfort and quality similar to the best in Africa.

There are also mid-range and upmarket lodges, as well as budget guesthouses and simple but well-equipped campsites for travelers who prefer a more basic experience.

What is the best time of the year for a 7-day safari in Uganda?

The best time for a Uganda safari is during the dry seasons, from June to August and December to February.

These months have the best weather for gorilla and chimp trekking and make game drives in parks like Queen Elizabeth and Murchison Falls easier and more enjoyable. September and October are also good months.

The wet months of March, May, and November are less ideal, and we do not recommend visiting in April, which is the wettest month in most of the country.

How much will a 7-day Uganda safari cost?

A 7-day Uganda safari that includes gorilla and chimp trekking usually costs between US$2,400 and US$3,000 per person for budget to mid-range options.

This typically includes transport, accommodations, meals, park fees and permits, plus a professional driver-guide. Cheaper camping tours are available, but be sure to check carefully what is included.

Luxury safaris with high-end lodges or private services usually cost over US$4,500 per person.

What beach extensions could be added to a 7-day Uganda safari?

Uganda has no coastline, so for a traditional beach holiday after your safari, you can visit Mombasa in Kenya or Zanzibar in Tanzania.

For a waterside experience within Uganda, Lake Bunyonyi is a peaceful, highland retreat.

The lake is bilharzia-free, has nice accommodations, and is close to Bwindi and Mgahinga Gorilla National Parks, making it a great addition to a southwest safari.

If you prefer adventure, about two hours east of Kampala or Entebbe, the Nile River near Jinja offers white-water rafting, kayaking, bungee jumping, and quad biking, perfect for an active post-safari experience.